England flop to 0–0 against Ghana as Saka return becomes urgent

England served up the dullest game of the World Cup so far

A 0–0 draw against Ghana that tested everyone's patience (1). England could not break Ghana down and never looked like scoring. One Guardian writer called it exactly what it was: the dullest game of the tournament so far (1).

Tuchel's defence was shaky against Croatia and the attack offered nothing here to compensate. Two games in, the group remains wide open.

Saka must start against Panama, says Sky Sports

Pete Gill did not hold back. "Saka and Rashford have to start against Panama" (2). Saka returned to normal training after managing his Achilles issue, and after watching that goalless draw, the case writes itself. Your team created nothing.

Noni Madueke started against Ghana. He has come a long way from the fan protests over his Arsenal move to a World Cup starter, but the attack needs Saka's directness.

Why England couldn't break Ghana down

BBC Sport broke it down: Ghana sat deep, stayed compact, and England had no answer (3). No width in the final third, no runner beyond the last man, nobody taking a risk.

Tuchel's side controlled the ball and did nothing with it.

Neville: Gordon's place is under threat

Gary Neville singled out Anthony Gordon after the Ghana stalemate. "Anthony Gordon, he's probably the one that's under the most pressure now" (4).

Rashford is waiting. Saka is fit. Gordon's starting spot looks fragile heading into the Panama match.

Dutch pundit: England cracking under the weight

Dutch media were blunt. "Of all European countries, the pressure is highest there," one pundit said about England after the Ghana draw (6). The team arrived as a pre-tournament favorite and have now produced 90 minutes of near-total attacking nothingness.

The knockouts are not guaranteed yet.

Fan-reaktioner

Fans were not kind. A heated moment between Tuchel and Djed Spence on the pitch made the rounds, with supporters questioning why the manager was publicly laying into a player mid-match. Another thread lit up over Bellingham risking a red card with a banned gesture during the draw. The mood is frustration, not panic, but close. Join the discussion